Talpa produces the reality show 'Newtopia' in Germany with Sony PTZ cameras

A total of 60 Sony BRC-Z330 cameras will record the lives of the 15 pioneers of 'Newtopia' over the course of a year.

On February 23, the reality show will begin on German television SAT.1 Newtopia. For production, Talpa Germany has chosen to use PTZ cameras and professional monitors from Sony.

In Newtopia, 15 pioneers will start from scratch and attempt to create a new and potentially better society over the course of a year. With this goal in mind, they will move to Newtopia, where all they will have to start is an unheated barn, two cows, some chickens, and a farmland. From there, they will have to build everything with their own hands. Production will last one year. Newtopia will be broadcast from Monday to Friday at 19:00 CET on SAT.1 and will be broadcast live 24 hours a day on newtopia.de.

60 Sony BRC-Z330 PTZ cameras will be used in the production of the reality show, capable of producing HD images even in low-light environments or with changing lighting.

Michael Westhofen, responsible for lighting and cameras on the show, acknowledges that "when choosing the right camera equipment, deciding how to position it and choosing the most appropriate lighting conditions, the stage aspect of the show was very important. For this reason, most of the cameras have been installed in specially created receptacles and placed at eye level of the participants, allowing the directors to immerse themselves in the center of the action and capture the stories in a way that is immediately accessible to the audience. spectators.”

The BRC-Z330 cameras can be installed on the ceiling or any other surface. Powerful pan, tilt and zoom functions allow cameras to react flexibly to any situation via remote control. The optical zoom lens with autofocus function allows camera operators to capture small and distant objects. When used in this way, the cameras meet all Full HD image standards. The BRC-Z330 also has the privilege of being the smallest camera in its commercial sector, ensuring discreet recording. To achieve fully detailed Full HD images, even in low lighting conditions, Talpa also uses four Sony α7S cameras.